India’s bioeconomy is emerging as a sunrise sector with immense potential for rural transformation and sustainable growth. Valued at over $80 billion in 2021, it is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The sector’s dynamism is evident in the surge of biotech start-ups (over 1,100 were launched in 2021), R&D spending crossing $1 billion, and India’s global leadership in vaccine production and testing during the pandemic.
Since the bioeconomy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and bio-resources, the co-operative sector — with its grassroots reach and farmer participation — is a natural stakeholder. For India, the co-operative business model could be the key to linking bio-based innovation with inclusive development.
